From the GMB website
Monday 13th September
GMB GROUND STAFF AT BA HEATHROW OVERWHELMING VOTE TO ACCEPT DEAL TO ASSIST TO SECURE FUTURE OF THE AIRLINE
This vote is a ringing endorsement of all the hard work done by GMB workplace negotiators at BA over 12 months to secure a negotiated settlement
Over 1,000 GMB members at employed as ground staff at British Airways at Heathrow have voted by an overwhelming 97% to accept an agreement recommended by negotiators last month to assist secure the future of the airline.
This agreement concludes negotiations on this issue which began in January 2009. The main features of the new deal are agreements on new employment and staffing levels, new arrangements for meal and other breaks, new arrangements on flexibility, agreements on ongoing procedures to deal with further changes that may become necessary over the coming period. Overall employment levels will fall by 500 (some 200 have already left), all by voluntary means and with reasonably enhanced severance arrangements and with provisions for redeployment. The deal also included a one year pay freeze to October 2010.
Mick Rix, GMB National Officer for civil aviation said "This vote is a ringing endorsement of all the hard work done by GMB workplace representatives at BA over 12 months to acheive a negotiated settlement to secure a future for the airline. GMB members hope that the future for BA will be bright and that when growth resumes that the prosperity can be shared between our members and the company."
This proves that BA can negotiate and so can unions (except BASSA). Also proves that BA are not into "breaking" unions. Anyone from BASSA care to comment on the last paragraph.
It's all about working together and this proves it beyond doubt.
Ex